Can’t hold that Tiger!

Stanfield has rebounded from a 1-4 start to the season by going 12-1 since. The Tigers’ season highlight came Saturday at the Culver Tournament, where Blaine Ganvoa’s team knocked off 1A No. 1 Crane, the defending state champion, 16-14 in the fifth set.

“We had been preparing all week to dial in being more aggressive from the start and the ladies did a nice job of taking ownership of this and were able to put them in a position to win,” Ganvoa said. “Any time you can get a win against a quality program like Crane, you'll take it.”

Stanfield’s top players this year have been OH Mazie Reeser, MB Kylee Jackson and setter Mykael Graham. All are seniors, part of a 10-player Tiger roster with six seniors.

Jesuit takes West Linn

Jesuit re-grouped from a five-loss weekend at the Nike Tournament of Champions – Southwest two weeks ago to win the West Linn Invitational on Saturday. The Crusaders went most of bracket play without star hitter Sadie Ross, but still managed to beat Oregon City, Sheldon and West Linn in bracket play to take the title.

Addy Azavedo had 10 digs, Iman Foster and Jada Johnson teamed for 21 kills and Zola Zuccolo and Julia Paulson were superb in supporting roles against the Sheldon. Ten aces helped propel Jesuit past West Linn..

Undefeateds

With Jesuit falling from the unbeaten ranks in Phoenix, only two undefeated Oregon teams remain, South Albany in 5A and Pleasant Hill in 3A.

South Albany is 19-0, having won all of its four matches the past two weeks 3-0, and is likely to finish the regular season undefeated if it can get by gritty rival West Albany on Thursday.

Pleasant Hill now is 22-0, including a victory at its own invitational on Oct. 5. The Billies defeated Sisters, Marshfield and Burns in bracket play and may face a slate as demanding to close the regular season, with Creswell, Dayton and Westside Christian looming over the next four days.

Dayton with destiny?

One of Pleasant Hill’s two opponents on Friday will be 16-1 Dayton. The Pirates’ only blemish is a 3-1 loss to Santiam Christian on Sept 24, a team they beat previously 10 days earlier to take the Sisters Tournament.

Dayton was 11-12 in 2022, making the first round of the playoffs. The Pirates improved to 17-8 last year and reached the second round. They can make a statement on Friday that they are state title contenders in 3A with a strong showing against Pleasant Hill.

“Success for our team definitely hasn’t happened overnight,” Dayton coach Megan Webster acknowledged. “Our group of girls have been playing together for a long time now and have gradually figured out what it takes to become a winning team. We have four seniors this year who all have great leadership qualities and know how to keep the younger girls motivated.”

Webster added that her team is focused on getting better each day by putting in the work at practice, but she knows what Friday’s match might mean.

“We are really excited to play Pleasant Hill, the coach said. “Knowing how we play on a good day, it could be anyone's game. We have the skills, combined, to be at the top and I think every game we have played has been a measuring stick for our season.” 

ToC challenges Beaver State teams

Four other Oregon schools joined Jesuit at the Nike Tournament of Champions – Southwest on Oct. 4-5.

Jesuit and South Medford were in the National Division intended for the best teams there. The Crusaders went 0-3 in pool play Friday and finished 2-5 but had a qualify win over Santa Margarita Catholic, one of California’s best teams.

South Medford endured an 0-7 weekend, but won two sets during Saturday’s bracket play.

"We played in the top division, which allowed us to play against teams that had solid blocking and big strong offenses," noted South Medford head coach Robin Akpan. "I think once we proved we could do the same things and we could compete against those teams it freed us up to elevate our play without fear of error."

South Salem and St. Paul competed in the Premier Division for the next best teams. South Salem started 1-2 but won out on Saturday to win its bracket.

“The ToC was a great chance for our girls to get out and have to play multiple tough matches in a row,” noted South Salem coach Matt Leichty. “Especially on Day 2 we had the option to either dig deep and fight to win matches or get frustrated and give it up. The team responded well to that pressure and won three straight three-set matches against good teams to win their bracket. Maintaining a high level through that long of a day is difficult, and it was nice to see kids step up when we needed them to. They embraced the challenge and just went for it. I’m hoping to see us translate some of the belief that the team on the other side doesn’t matter as much as us working hard, taking advantage of our strengths, staying together as a team, and playing freely. When we do that, we are a difficult team to beat. It was a very good team opportunity for us as well, and I think we will really see the lessons learned pay off as we enter the postseason.”

St. Paul was 2-1 during pool play – a strong showing – but lost its final four matches against bigger and very talented schools.

“St. Paul had a great time at the Nike TOC,” said coach Les Hiller. “We won two of our three first-day matches. falling only to Flagstaff who won the Premier division. The second day we placed in the Gold bracket and lost all our matches but competed with the teams. It was very high level play and our team thrived on it, rising to become a closer more competitive team, which is always the goal of attending.”  

Crescent Valley, playing in the Elite Division, was dominant, with a 7-0 showing.

Unsung Heroes

We asked coaches this week to tell us about their team’s “unsung hero.” An unsung hero is a player who probably does not start or, if she does, is not one who fills the stat sheet, but is integral to team success for any number of reasons.

Here is what we received:

Sara Cannon, Fr., Vale – Cannon is playing JV and JV2, but her story has given her unsung hero status that extends beyond her teams to the varsity players and coaching staff as well. “She loves the game and her story is one that brings all of us together,” noted Viking coach Shannon Steele.

Last spring, Sara’s older brother, Wyatt, was driving them home from school when they were involved in a head-on collision that cost Wyatt his life. Wyatt’s evasive maneuvers, however, likely saved Sara’s life. She suffered grievous injuries -- a broken pelvis, cracked ribs, bruised internal organs, and a large number of lacerations – and had to be “life flighted” to the hospital but pulled through.

“The community was in shock and did what Vikings do: we pulled together,” Steele said.

Sara was discharged from the hospital after a week. When her thoughts weren’t on her big brother, they were on when she might return to volleyball. She diligently worked at physical therapy and was released to come back a few weeks prior to season.

“She made it to team camp and, at times, we knew she felt behind, slow, and defeated,” Steele noted. “However, this athlete never gave up and put everything into getting into shape, getting stronger, and perfecting her defensive skills. She lit up the court in her first match of the season and, for the first time in months, we all noted a sparkle in her eye and true happiness on her face. She was back home where she loves to be, on the court digging up balls that no one else thinks they can get.

“This unsung hero has left a huge impact on the coaching staff's heart. She is a true testament to all of our athletes that they can do hard things and that life can steal important people and moments from our lives, but that it is our jobs to find the beauty in it all and never give up. She is a bundle of joy and a true fighter and also an example to all our athletes in the program. Sara Cannon is our Viking Warrior and a hero in our journey as a team this year. I loved hearing my three seniors praise her during a team bonding activity telling her that she was their inspiration this year. Bless Sara and her family. We are so happy she is with us this season!”

Sydney Coleman, 5-10 Sr. MB, Westside Christian – An amazing leader for the 17-4 Eagles, when Coleman lights it up on the court, it is a contagious spark for the rest of the team. Even when she’s not starring or spending time on the bench, Coleman’s celebrations are just as big. “The effort and energy she pours into every practice and match, both physically and emotionally, has elevated her entire team to new levels this year,” noted coach Kristina Thom.

Nola McGeer, 5-6 Soph. OH, Spray / Mitchell / Wheeler – McGeer started the season on JV but has moved to varsity and has been able to contribute for a 17-2 team no matter the role. “She keeps a level head and always celebrates her teammates and their success,” noted coach Crystal Rey.

Julia Paulson, 5-8 Sr. DS, Jesuit – Bound for University of the Pacific to play beach volleyball, Paulson has played error free in whatever role she is thrust into. This past weekend at the West Linn Tournament, she played six rotations, proved that she is always ready to help out her team and excelled.

Mereyah Smith, 5-7 Sr. RS, Trinity Lutheran – Smith pushes everyone in practice, leading by example with her work ethic. “She has an energetic. positive attitude through every game and tournament and, when she gets into the game, everyone gets the most hyped for her,” said coach Kristin Bryan. 

Graceyn Tucker, 5-7 Sr. OH, Salem Academy – Tucker is a coach’s dream and ideal teammate. Said assistant coach Karri Bauldree: “Whether it’s stepping into any position without hesitation or contributing behind the scenes, her dedication and selflessness make her invaluable to the team.”

News and notes...

You will find St. Paul middle blocker Sienna Meza on the single-match stat stars list below for aces. Meza has not been a usual server this year, but the Buckaroos changed their lineup last week and she served in the match versus Falls City / Kings Valley Charter. She served 22 out of 23 with 11 aces and 14 points in a row in the fourth set!

Single-match stat stars

We are asking coaches on our bulk email list to help compile a list of astounding single-game statistical achievements! We will keep a running tally of players who stat at these levels for a single match:

50 assists or more in a match

25 kills or more in a match

30 digs or more in a match

8 blocks or more in a match

10 aces or more in a match

Here’s what we have so far…

50 or more assists in a match

54 – Abby Maulding, 5-9 Jr. S, La Salle Prep (5A) – Sept. 12 versus Canby

25 or more kills in a match

37 -- Josie Essner, 5-10 Sr. MB, Monroe (2A) – Sept. 14 versus Lowell

35 -- Avery Herber, 6-2 Soph. OH, Western Christian (2A) – Sept. 5 versus Crosshill Christian 

34 – Ada Bernard, 5-9 Jr. OH, St. Mary’s School, Medford (3A) – Sept. 19 versus Lakeview

34 – Allison Waechter, 6-0 Jr. OH, Sutherlin -- Sept. 26 versus South Umpqua

32 -- Mayenabasi Akpan, 6-3 Jr. OH/MB, South Medford (6A) – Sept. 4 versus Foothill (Palo Cedro)

30 – Audra Rose, 6-3 Sr. MB, St. Paul (1A) – Aug. 31 versus Culver

29 -- Josie Essner, 5-10 Sr. MB, Monroe (2A) – Oct. 1 versus East Linn Christian Acad.

29 -- Mayenabasi Akpan, 6-3 Jr. OH/MB, South Medford (6A) – Sept. 17 versus Roseburg

28 – Tatum Montiel, 5-11 Sr. Oh, Marshfield (4A) – Aug. 30 versus Cascade

28 – Audra Rose, 6-3 Sr. MB, St. Paul (1A) – Oct. 1 versus Perrydale

28 -- Joya Euhus, 6-1 Sr, OH, Santiam Christian (3A) -- Sept 24 vs. Dayton

27 -- Akylah Kaino, 6-1 Sr. OH, Burns (3A) – Sept. 10 versus Pendleton

27 -- Mayenabasi Akpan, 6-3 Jr. OH/MB, South Medford (6A) – Sept. 4 versus Chico

27 -- Mayenabasi Akpan, 6-3 Jr. OH/MB, South Medford (6A) – Sept. 19 versus Sheldon

26 – Hayley Schaaf, 6-3 Jr. MB, Catlin Gabel (3A) – Sept. 7 versus Amity

26 – Audra Rose, 6-3 Sr. MB, St. Paul (1A) – Aug. 30 versus Central Christian

26 – Allison Waechter, 6-0 Jr. OH, Sutherlin (3A) – Sept. 12 versus Harrisburg

26 – Josie Essner, 5-10 Sr. MB, Monroe (2A) – Sept. 7 versus Oakridge

30 or more digs in a match

36 -- Lainie Bateman, 5-7 Sr. S, Monroe (2A) – Sept. 14 versus Lowell

34 -- Lindsey Arritola, 5-4 Jr. OH, Blanchet Catholic (3A) – Sept. 5 versus Scio

31 -- Coley Gibbs, 5-7 Jr. OH, Pilot Rock / Ukiah (1A) – Sept. 21 versus Cove

30 -- Nadia Gremar, 5-6 Jr. OH, Knappa (2A) – Sept. 10 versus Vernonia

8 or more blocks in a match

10 – Ryland Minnick, 6-1 Jr. MB, Crosshill Christian (2A) – Sept. 17 versus Amity

9 – Lydia Grassman, 5-10 Jr. OH, Franklin (6A) – Sept. 3 versus Liberty

9 – Braeli Martin, 6-0 Sr. MB, West Salem (6A) – Sept. 3 versus South Salem

8 – Audra Rose, 6-3 Sr. MB, St. Paul (1A) – Aug. 30 versus Central Christian

8 – Addyson Clark, 5-11 Sr. MB, Sutherlin (3A) – Sept. 12 versus Harrisburg

10 or more aces in a match

14 – Catherine Chang, 5-7 RS/S, Westview (6A) – Sept. 12 versus Aloha

13 – Bella Slattum, 5-8 Sr. S, West Salem (6A) – Sept. 5 versus North Salem

13 -- Annie Cavazos, 5-6 Fr. S, St. Paul (1A) – Oct. 14 versus Jewell

12 -- Josey Edwards, 5-10 Sr. OH, St. Paul (1A) -- Oct. 8 versus Falls City / Kings Valley Charter

11 -- Sienna Meza, 5-8 Fr. MB, St. Paul (1A) -- Oct. 8 versus Falls City / Kings Valley Charter

11 -- Callie Turner, 5-4 Sr. S, Century (6A) – Sept. 12 versus Liberty

11 -- Callie Turner, 5-4 Sr. S, Century (6A) – Sept. 3 versus Southridge

11 – Alyssa Baird, 5-11 Sr. Oh, Portland Christian (2A) – Sept. 19 versus Gaston

10 – Irene Rocha Ibarra, 5-8 Jr. S, Cascade (4A) – Sept. 26 versus North Marion

10 – Addison Herber, 6-1 Soph. MB, Western Christian (2A) – Sept. 26 versus Delphian

10 -- Avery Herber, 6-2 Soph. OH, Western Christian (2A) -- October 10 versus Regis

10 - Jenna Pavlatos, 5-4 Fr. S, Valor Christian (1A) - Sept. 24 versus Grandview Christian Academy

10 -- Coley Gibbs, 5-7 Jr. OH, Pilot Rock / Ukiah – Oct. 2 versus Nixyaawii

Coaches may email [email protected] to add to the list at any time. Please replicate the format seen above.

Season-long stat stars

Here are the season-long stat leaders as of Sunday, based on our new thresholds, and as supplied by the varsity head coaches on our bulk email list.

An asterisk (*) means that the stats have not been updated since first being published one week ago, but that the player meets the new threshold for inclusion nonetheless.

Any varsity head coach or their proxy may email [email protected] to learn how to get on our bulk email list.

Kills (225 or more)

439 – Mayenabasi Akpan, 6-3 Jr. OH, South Medford

*425 – Akylah Kaino, 6-0 Sr. OH, Burns

410 – Emma Brewer, 6-0 Jr. OH, Salem Academy

409 – Audra Rose, 6-2 Sr. MB, St. Paul

395 -- Piper Hanson, 5-7 Soph. OH, Creswell

385 – Allison Waechter, 6-0 Jr. OH, Sutherlin

377 – Avery Herber, 6-2 Soph. OH, Western Christian

365 – Kaitlyn Seigner, 5-9 Soph. OH/MB, Crane

*365 – Kendall Clark, 5-11 Fr. OH, Horizon Christian, Tualatin

361 – Tatum Montiel, 5-11 Sr. OH, Marshfield

349 – Josie Essner, 5-10 Sr. MB, Monroe

330 – Mazie Reeser, 5-11 Sr. OH, Stanfield

316 – Ada Bernard, 5-9 Jr. OH, St. Mary’s, Medford

313 – Briella Mathis, 6-0 Jr. OH, South Salem

293 – Cheyenne Green, 6-1 Sr. OH, Pleasant Hill

283 – Addison Herber, 6-1 Soph. MB, Western Christian

251 – Emma Fauth, 6-0 Sr. OH, Wilsonville

250 – Katie Brewer, 6-0 Sr. MB, Centennial

*243 – Hayley Schaaf, 6-3 Jr. MB, Catlin Gabel

243 – Kylee Jackson, Sr. MB, Stanfield

240 – Hannah Roth, 5-9 Sr. OH, North Lake

238 -- Holli Vigue, 5-9, Sr. RS, Coquille 

237 – Charlotte Quinn, 5-8 Soph. OH, Trinity Lutheran

*236 – Caitlyn Horrell, 6-1 Sr. MB, Burns

*229 – Paige Thies, 6-2 Sr. OH, Oregon City

225 – Jordyn Copeland, 5-8 Fr. OH, Salem Academy

Assists (500 or more)

758 – Kendal Nichols, 5-4 Soph. S, Crane

730 -- Teighlor Nunez, 5-9 Jr. S, Creswell

618 – Claire Crawford, 5-10 Sr. S, Pleasant Hill

617 – Irene Rocha-Ibarra, 5-8 Jr. S, Cascade

603 – Lexi Herber, 5-11 Sr. S, Western Christian

600 – Ava Ainsworth, 6-1 Sr. S, Marshfield

582 -- Kamree Orizotti, 5-10 Jr. S, South Salem

540 – Mykael Graham, 5-4 Sr. S, Stanfield

534 – Mya Cook, 5-6 Jr. S, Salem Academy

Digs (250 or more)

379 -- Piper Hanson, 5-7 Soph. OH, Creswell

*363 – Bailey Temple, 5-4 Soph. libero, Burns

*349 – Kylie Kramer, 5-4 Sr. libero, Weston-McEwen

299 – Kylee Jackson, 5-8 Sr. MB, Stanfield

295 – Emily Krauss, 5-6 Sr. libero, Pleasant Hill

291 – Mazie Reeser, 5-11 Sr. OH, Stanfield

290 – Elise Seals, 5-6 Sr. libero, Vale

287 – Kamryn Sande, 5-7 Sr. OH, Cascade

*279 – Kendall Clark, 5-11 Fr. OH, Horizon Christian, Tualatin

275 – Chloe Runn, 5-6 Jr. libero, Marshfield

271 – Emma Brewer, 6-0 Jr. OH, Salem Academy

269 – Coley Gibbs, 5-7 Jr. OH, Pilot Rock / Ukiah

268 – Lucy McAllister, 5-4 Jr. DS, Trinity Lutheran

265 – Kayleigha Haney. 5-6 Jr. RS, Stanfield

256 – Irene Rocha-Ibarra, 5-8 Jr. S, Cascade

255 – Tatum Montiel, 5-11 Sr. OH, Marshfield

*254 – Akylah Kaino, 6-0 Sr. OH, Burns

251 – Amyah Miranda, 5-6 Jr. OH, Cascade

Blocks (45 or more)

105 – Tabitha Terry, 6-0 Jr. MB, Central Christian

81 – Mazie Reeser, 5-11 Sr. OH, Stanfield

*73 – Caitlyn Horrell, 6-1 Sr. MB, Burns

60 – Kylee Jackson, 5-8 Sr. MB, Stanfield

57 – Bella McGraw, 6-0 Jr. MB, Salem Academy

*49 – Braeli Martin, 6-0 Sr. MB, West Salem

49 – Aubree Weisner, 5-9 Sr. MB, Trinity Lutheran

49 – Audra Rose, 6-2 Sr. MB, St. Paul

48 – Addison Herber, 6-1 Soph. MB, Western Christian

46 – Ryland Minnick, 6-1 Jr. MB, Crosshill Christian

46 – Daija Malcolm, 5-9 Sr. MB, South Medford

45 – Mackenzie Fitzgerald-Thornton, 5-10 Jr. MB, Marshfield

45 – Brielle Ward, 5-10 Jr. MB, Weston-McEwen

45 – Mayenabasi Akpan, 6-3 Jr. OH, South Medford

Aces (75 or more)

*101 – Nadeline Karnes, 5-7 Jr. S, Horizon Christian, Tualatin

*97 – Kendall Clark, 5-11 Fr. OH, Horizon Christian, Tualatin

96 -- Josey Edwards, 5-9 Sr. OH, St. Paul

*87 – Jocelyn Graham, 5-6 Jr. OH, Burns

*81 – Bailey Temple, 5-4 Soph. libero, Burns

*80 -- Sophie Green, 5-6 Jr. RS/MB, Horizon Christian, Tualatin

78 – Kamryn Sande, 5-7 Sr. OH, Cascade

76 – Alivia Bryan, 6-0 Fr. S/MB, Trinity Lutheran

College-Bound!

In this space, we list those players, in the current senior class and younger, who have made a commitment to attend a college or university of their choice and play volleyball.

Here’s who we have so far. We will add to this list in subsequent notebooks as we receive notifications.

Ava Ainsworth, 6-1 Sr. S, Marshfield – Western Oregon University

Addy Azavedo, 5-7 Sr. libero, Jesuit -- Washington

Madi Andrews, 6-1 Jr. OH, Nelson – Michigan State

Taelyn Bentley, 5-11 Sr. MB, South Albany – South Florida

Mylee Blake, 6-1 Sr. OH, West Albany -- Montana

Emma Brewer, 6-0 Jr. OH, Salem Academy – University of San Diego

Katie Brewer, 6-1 Sr. MB, Centennial - Portland State

Jackie Carle, 5-7 Sr. S/DS, Jesuit – Washington State

Jojo Christiansen, 5-9 Sr. OH, Westside Christian – Corban University (Beach)

Emma Comer, 5-4 Sr. libero, Oregon City – Eastern Oregon University

Giana Elgarico, 5-11 Sr. OH Marist Catholic – University of Oregon

Joya Euhus, 6-1 Sr. OH, Santiam Christian -- Houston Christian University

Emma Fauth, 6-0 Sr. OH, Wilsonville – Humboldt State

Cheyenne Green, 6-1 Sr. OH, Pleasant Hill – Oregon State

Bailey Henderson, 5-4 Sr. libero, Century -- Pacific University

Hayden McGehee, 5-7 Sr. S, Jesuit – Belmont

Kamden Mitchell, 5-10 Sr. S, Crescent Valley -- University of Oregon

Evie Morrissette, 6-0 Sr. S, Sprague – Seattle University

Julia Paulson, 5-8 Sr. DS, Jesuit – University of the Pacific (Beach)

Audra Rose, 6-2 Sr. MB, St. Paul – Seattle Pacific University

Avalynn Roundy, 6-2 Sr. MB, Marist Catholic -- Grand Canyon University

Hayley Schaaf, 6-3 Jr. MB, Catlin Gabel -- Northwestern

Shaylee Swartzendruber, 5-8 Sr. OH, Roseburg -- University of New Orleans (Beach) 

Steel Sinai, 6-4 Sr. MB, Westview -- Temple University 

Paige Thies, 6-2 Sr. OH, Oregon City -- University of Arizona

Callie Winebarger, 5-7 Sr. S, Crook County – MidAmerica Nazarene University (Kansas)

Email [email protected] to add commitments to the list. Please replicate the format you see above.